Supply Chain of the Future Lab Announced at CSCMP Annual Conference

Lombard, Illinois, (USA) (September 21)—In a joint announcement, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Distribution Business Management Association (DBMA) unveiled plans at the CSCMP annual conference in Chicago for a new 100,000 square foot educational lab at CSCMP’s conference in San Diego next year.

Called the Supply Chain of the Future, it will be a real-time, fully-integrated, functional supply chain lab that will take attendees into a world of automated innovation and new technologies in several areas, including product design and development, sourcing and procurement, demand planning and inventory management, manufacturing and materials handling, transportation and fulfillment, and reverse logistics. According to Rick Blasgen, CSCMP president and CEO, “The exhibit will give attendees a first-hand look at the technologies, processes, and solutions provided by high-performing supply chains and a revealing look into future enhancements. This is no movie but a hands-on, real-time operating supply chain,” said Blasgen. “This new initiative will take our attendees’ educational experience to the next level,” he added.

Amy Thorn, executive director of DBMA, added that the Supply Chain of the Future will offer attendees a unique educational setting and opportunity to learn about the best practices and future trends involved in the lifecycle of a product, from creation to consumption. “It will feature the people, processes, and technologies that are vital throughout the life of an order,” she said. Attendees will be able to “kick the tires” of equipment, systems, and technologies that provide cutting edge solutions to a wide range of supply chain challenges. “As they walk through the lab, attendees will receive an in-depth view of the parts that make up a world-class supply chain today and in the future,” said Thorn. Technical experts within the exhibit will answer questions and special educational sessions will be integrated into the CSCMP education tracks.

Companies to be featured in the lab are currently being preselected by a team of senior supply chain management leaders from leading companies. “We are looking for innovative and cutting edge technologies, products, and services to be part of the lab,” said Don Ralph, senior vice president of supply chain and logistics for Staples. Ralph is Chairman of the Supply Chain Leaders in Action (SCLA) and a member of the selection committee. Interested companies can call +1717.295.003, or e-mail Amy Yoder at ayoder@dbm-assoc.com.

About CSCMP

Founded in 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals is the leading worldwide professional association dedicated to education, research, and the advancement of the supply chain management profession. With over 9,000 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 63 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.

About DBMA

The Distribution Business Management Association provides educational forums and knowledge between business and academia and promotes education in business areas such as supply chain and logistics.